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Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element: Comparison
Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element: the onboard storage difference
They are built to different briefs, and onboard storage shows it, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC Up to 128GB eMMC against Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element 2 GB. Memory is closer, 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4 on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC versus Up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMM on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element. Soc model is not the same on both, Octa-core on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC versus 8 Performance-cores + 16 Efficient-cores up to 5.8GHz on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element.
Who each one is for
it is the wrong buy for buyers who want the smallest or cheapest RK3588S board available. It also earns its place with Linux enthusiasts who want easier OS installation via UEFI boot on RK3588S hardware. The Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element is the one to take for small-form-factor gaming PC builds with discrete GPU and modular workstation upgrades without a full rebuild, though it is not built for low-power or embedded applications and budget builds. Our rating of the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC (7.5/10): the original RK3588S design, still notable for UEFI boot support that makes standard Linux installs far easier. Our rating of the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element (8.5/10): exceptional performance for its niche, small-form-factor gaming/workstation upgrades, but not a typical SBC use case or budget.
Which is cheaper, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC or Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element?
At the last price check the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC was $219 and the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element $1,349, a 516% premium.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Firefly
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Intel
Model Number
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- NUC13RNGi9 Compute Element
Memory
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMMBest
SoC Model
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55)
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 8 Performance-cores + 16 Efficient-cores (24C/32T) up to 5.8GHz
Price
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 219 USD
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 1349 USD
Onboard Storage
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Up to 128GB eMMC
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 2 GB
Which one should you pick?
Choose Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element if you want the higher memory (Up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMM vs 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC | Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $219.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $1,349.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
The original RK3588S design, still notable for UEFI boot support that makes standard Linux installs far easier.
Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Exceptional performance for its niche, small-form-factor gaming/workstation upgrades, but not a typical SBC use case or budget.